Where in the world?
One of the factors affecting travel insurance is the countries that you intend to visit. Insurance companies do not, however, rate each country separately, they band them into regions, the most common of which are: UK, Europe, Australia, Worldwide (excluding USA) and USA. The following is a general summary of why these regions are so branded. It should be noted, however, that not every insurer has the same country in the same region. Many, for example will rate African and Middle East Countries bordering the Mediterranean as 'Worldwide' even though some will rate them as 'Europe'! Similarly although one region is described as 'USA / America' some insurers will include Canada, Mexico and/or the Caribbean in the area.
The United Kingdom (UK)
Travel Insurance Policies providing cover in the UK only (e.g. a week in Blackpool or London) are the cheapest. This is because:
 |
The cost of the holiday is usually cheap so there would be low cancellation repayments |
|
There is unlikely to be air travel or travel by boat so travel delay costs will be small |
|
Most medical treatment will be on the NHS, so medical or health costs will be low |
|
At the moment liability claims are not too serious (and there may be cover on your home insurance anyway) |
You should note that if you are considering an annual multi trip policy that cover in the UK may sometimes be provided - usually the travel must involve a pre-booked accommodation and be for at least two nights
A list of Countries that are or may be regarded as being in the UK for travel insurance purposes
European Area
Travel insurance in the European Area is normally very cheap - and some annual multi trip policies give discounts if you can restrict the travel to just Europe. Factors that help reduce travel insurance premiums for Europe are:
|
The European Health Insurance Card - replaces the E111 as of Jan 1st 2006 and can reduce medical bills |
|
The developed status of European countries means that medical treatment is efficacious |
|
Travel in the European area is simple and straightforward |
Australia and New Zealand
Although often defined as Australia, 'Australasia' may be better as the same rate may apply to New Zealand and even some of the Islands in the South Pacific
|
Australia operates a form of national health service - which you register when 1st claim is made. |
|
Main language is English (sort of!) so easier to communicate |
|
Industrialised country with good infrastructure and thriving local insurance industry |
Countries that may be rated as 'Australia' or New Zealand for travel insurance purposes
 |
Special travel insurance rates for Australia or New Zealand. Obtain a cheap annual travel insurance quote online. Our cheap online travel insurance quote system will quote a range of travel insurance companies. UK or EU residents can buy online. Help is provided for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions or even a terminal prognosis (provided return is 6 months or more). |
Please note that many long-stay travel insurance policies to Australia only allow for a certain length of time out of the area e.g. to visit Singapore or Hong-Kong en route or returning.
Worldwide (excluding USA/ America)
Worldwide travel insurance policies, as their name states, cover travel to any country not listed in another region - typically these may be America/ Canada/ Mexico/ or Caribbean as shown below)
|
The Foreign / Commonwealth office provides advice on every country worldwide |
|
You should check that they do not advise against travel as if you do travel against their advice your travel insurance policy may not protect you. |
Travel to USA, America, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean
Travel insurance for the USA, America, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean may be substantially higher than cover for the rest of the world
|
Medical costs are substantially higher as there may be only private healthcare available. This impacts the elderly pensioner and those over 65, 70, 75 or 80 and people with medical conditions |
|
Liability claims will be expensive and frequent. (If you sneeze someone will probably sue you for giving them a cold) |
|
Travel costs are high as these are long distance flights |
|
Although not yet a factor, many insurance companies provide cover following catastrophe. With the increase in the number of Hurricanes (2005 was a record year) we anticipate that premiums may have to increase to provide the cover given. |
Interestingly, many annual multi trip insurance policies are cheaper than the cost of a two-week single trip travel to America.
Countries normally classified in the USA/ America section of a travel insurance policy.
Summary
If you are uncertain as to which area any specific country is in please contact us on 0870 0345503 or, if you get no reply, our Gateshead office on 0870 0345502. We are only to happy to discuss your insurance needs and advise you whether you need travel insurance for UK, Europe, Australia, Worldwide or USA/ America.
If you are over 65 and need travel insurance look at our over 65 travel insurance page
If you want cheap travel insurance look at our cheap travel insurance page
Our home page with information about us and the many different insurance policies we offer.